The New York Yankees are off to a strong start behind a new-look roster for 2025, though some additions haven’t panned out as hoped.
Free agent signing Max Fried has been even better than expected, posting a 1.43 ERA across five wins in his first six starts. And veteran first baseman Paul Goldschmidt has been swinging one of the team’s hottest bats, with a .365/.417/.471 slash line to open the year.
Then there is Cody Bellinger, who arrived via trade from the Chicago Cubs to the tune of a -0.1 WAR so far. And Devin Williams, a two-time National League Reliever of the Year Award winner, who has had the harshest adjustment.
After three straight sub-2.00 ERA seasons, Williams has been hit for a 11.25 ERA in his first eight innings with the Yankees, prompting manager Aaron Boone to remove him from the closer role before the team’s Sunday matchup against the Toronto Blue Jays.
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After that move, Williams responded with some optimism that he will get back on track soon, according to Max Goodman of NJ Advance Media.
“It’s really just reps,” Williams said.
“I always start a little slow,” he added. “It’s just getting reps, in-game reps.”
Williams has had a history of starting off slowly en route to some stellar campaigns, but this start to this season has offered a bit more cause for concern. He has given up 10 earned runs in just seven games, resulting in some boos from Yankees fans and questions about whether he can handle the pressure of playing in New York.
Following the demotion, Williams seemed to understand that his performance would have to improve to recapture his closer role going forward.
“You work for years to get to that point,” he said. “To have that taken away from you, it’s not a fun feeling at all. But can’t say it’s undeserved.”
More MLB: Yankees make Devin Williams decision as concerns mount: insider